Shloka 50
आदि पर्व, अध्याय 67 — गान्धर्वविवाह-समयः
Duḥṣanta–Śakuntalā: Gandharva Marriage and Succession Condition
तृतीयस्तु महातेजा महामायो महासुर: । निषादाधिपतिर्जज्ञे भुवि भीमपराक्रम:,तीसरा जो महान् तेजस्वी और महामायावी महादैत्य था, वह इस पृथ्वीपर भयंकर पराक्रमी निषादनरेशके रूपमें उत्पन्न हुआ
tṛtīyastu mahātejā mahāmāyo mahāsuraḥ | niṣādādhipatirjajñe bhuvi bhīmaparākramaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The third—radiant with great splendor, a mighty Asura endowed with vast powers of māyā—was born upon the earth as the lord of the Niṣādas, a ruler of fearsome valor.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that immense power and deceptive capability (māyā) can manifest within human society; ethical discernment is needed because outward status (a kingly birth) may conceal an asuric disposition, reminding readers to judge by conduct and dharmic alignment rather than position alone.
Vaiśampāyana continues a genealogical/account of beings taking birth on earth: the 'third' great asura, characterized by brilliance and powerful māyā, is said to be born as the ruler of the Niṣādas, marked by fearsome prowess.